The boy's words caused Zane to freeze. With his hand protectively resting on the boy's back, he returned the hug.
Trembling and crying, Diana was drawn also into the embrace, her horror temporarily calmed by their warmth. Zane responded in a gentle tone, "Yes, I am your dad."
Diana sobbing uncontrollably as she held Zane close. His icy appearance simply broke down showing the guy she had known before—someone with the capacity for compassion and love.
Zane got up and supported Diana with his hand as she stood up. With a gentle tone, he said, "Let's go. We're heading home."
Victor approached, his expression filled with joy, just like the other men of the Iron Gang standing behind him. "Boss," he said quietly, "what should we do about the cleanup?"
Zane said, "Take care of it. Call Malcolm to handle the arrangements and bury my brother next to our father."
Victor said. "Understood, boss."
Diana and the boy were led to the car by Zane, who helped them in getting inside before hopping into the driver's seat.
"Zane… thank you for saving us," Diana said quietly as the automobile started to move. Diana was still clutching her son closely.
For a little while, Zane said nothing, his anger at Diana's choice to flee with his child still burning. He looked at the kid in the rearview mirror and his voice grew softer. "Kid, tell me your name."
With a pause, the kid looked at Diana. She put a kind touch on the boy's shoulder and added, "His name is Liam," with a loving smile. "Liam, this is your… father."
When Zane heard the word "this is your father," his chest tightened. The child gave him a shy nod as he gazed at him.
With occasional glances at the teenager and Diana in the rearview mirror, Zane sat silently for a half hour. Nobody said anything, everyone just waited calmly.
Zane's automobile soon reached his residence. Enclosed by tall walls and a massive iron gate that opened when the guards spotted the boss's car, the estate was vast. The mansion's modern construction combined stylish glass panels, and the road was surrounded with trimmed bushes.
Once inside, Zane opened the door and stepped out.
Inside, Maya was seating in the main hall. With the belt loosely wrapped at her waist, she wore a light blue bathrobe that clung to her thin body. With her bare feet resting on the soft couch and her skin glowing from the bath, she was idly flipping through the channels.
She looked towards the gate when she heard the faint sound of the car pulling in. Curious, Maya stood, tossing the remote onto the sofa. She adjusted her robe and walked towards the door.
Maya froze as she stepped outside. Zane was gently assisting a woman out of the car when she fixed her gaze on him. A fourteen-year-old boy emerged behind them, his curious eyes looking around the mansion.
Maya's chest tightened as her eyes settled on the woman. She didn't need an introduction, she knew exactly who she was. Diana. The woman Zane had loved before her, the one who had vanished, leaving behind only a note saying she couldn't be part of a life filled with gang violence.
She said, her voice shaking, "Zane… What's happening? Why is she here?"
Zane took a step forward. "This is Diana, as you have probably guessed, Maya. And this…" he said, pointing to Liam, "is probably my son. They will stay here going forward."
Maya's eyes grew wide and began to fill up with tears. She moved away and shook her head. "Your son? She simply appears after all these years, and they're living here now?" Tears rolled down her cheeks as her voice broke.
She turned and fled back into the house, sobbing, as Zane took a step towards her. He called after her,"Maya!" he called after her, but Diana gently grabbed his arm.
Diana whispered softly, "Let her go, Zane," with a hint of sorrow in her voice. "She needs time, and I also need to discuss everything with you.
Zane's expression was a mix of understanding and irritation as he looked at Diana. He nodded and let out a long sigh. "You're right," he responded quietly.
Just then, two of the servants emerged to welcome him. Sensing the tension, they glanced between Liam, Diana, Maya and Zane. With caution, one of them spoke. "Master Zane, welcome back."
"The car keys are inside," Zane added, "Park it." Additionally, prepare two rooms: one for Diana and one for Liam. Also, prepare a hot bath for me in another room."
The servants looked at one another but simply nodded. "Right away, sir," one said, rushing to do what he said.
Zane looked at Liam and Diana again. He continued, "Follow them," his voice a little softer. "Your rooms will be shown to you. We'll discuss this later." Since a lot has transpired today, he simply needs room to rest.
As they followed the servants inside, Diana nodded and held Liam's hand. The boy's eyes widened as he looked at the immense size of the mansion.
Despite her composure, Diana's eyes were distant, as memories of her time spent with Zane were suddenly returning.
The servant escorted them upstairs and opened a door to reveal a comfortable and equipped room for Liam. "This will be your room, sir," the maid replied, smiling politely.
Liam glanced up at Diana, who gave him a nod.
They proceeded to another room down the corridor. A slightly larger guest room, the maid opened the door. "And this is your room, ma'am," Diana was informed by the maid.
Diana thanked her and went inside. Diana was the only person in the room when the maid excused herself. Her fingers touched the edge of the bed as she glanced out the window in sadness. She said to herself, "What have I done, coming back here after all this time?"